CARSON, Calif. – Chivas USA captain Jonathan Bornstein may be transferring to Mexican First Division side Tigres UANL this January, but the Southern California native has no intention of checking out early as the Goats prepare for their final games this season.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

Healthy again after suffering a minor injury against Seattle on Sept. 1, Bornstein is excited for this Sunday’s SuperClásico clash with the rival LA Galaxy. Given that it might be his last, he’s extra-focused on getting a victory for the Goats.

“It makes me want to beat them even more, to be honest,” Bornstein said. “You want to be the guy who took it to them and came out on top.”

Bornstein has been a part of the Chivas USA roster for 17 SuperClásicos since 2006, including the teams’ postseason series last year. The Galaxy have had the edge during his tenure, boasting an 8-3-6 record against the Goats during that time.

“We share the Home Depot Center with them and you see them day in and day out,” Bornstein said. “I don’t ever want to lose to those guys.”

Playing against LA this Sunday will likely take on special significance for Bornstein as it will be the first time he faces US national team teammates Edson Buddle and Landon Donovan since the three appeared in the 2010 World Cup in June.

“Off the field, they’re just people and you get along with them in the hallways and stuff,” said Bornstein. “But leading up to the game – that all changes. You want to stake your claim and show what you’re all about.”

The Goats enter Sunday’s match on a two-game losing streak and will be looking for three points against LA to keep their slim postseason hopes alive. Helping the cause are Paulo Nagamura, Ante Jazic and Alan Gordon, who have all previously played for the Galaxy and have offered some tips to their Red-and-White teammates ahead of the match.

“We talked to Alan this morning and asked him what their mentality is toward us,” Bornstein said. “He gave us a little bit of insight and that will maybe give us a little advantage.”